Football returned to Sun Life Stadium for the first time in 2014 as the Miami Dolphins held their annual scrimmage. The day started with each position going through their typical routines. Each position worked on individual drills and then came together as a unit for the scrimmage. Lasting approximately 75 minutes, the team went through a variety game-like situations with just about every available participating. Today’s scrimmage pitted the first, second, and third teams of each side of the football against one another.
Here are my takeaways from today’s scrimmage at Sun Life Stadium:
1. Fast Start
The way the opening drive started for the first team offense today is exactly what they would be looking for on September 7, when the AFC East Champion New England Patriots come to town. There was a great mix of the running game, quick passing, and play-action during the 13-play, 78 yard scoring drive. Ryan Tannehill hit four different receivers for 51 yards, and found Lamar Miller on a nine-yard quick wheel route on the short side of the field for the score. If this offense can operate at that level, the offense should expect to find those extra seven to ten points a game that’s going to be needed.
2. Still Work To Do
Although I like all the pieces on the defensive front seven, there’s still a lot of work to do, especially in stopping the opposition in the running game. This was an area last year that was a concern for the Dolphins defense, and it will remain an issue until this group can prove otherwise. The talent is there, it’s just a matter of gap integrity and trusting one another. Run defense is a team concept, and is not about one standout individual.
Also, the first team offensive line looked to move as one, instead of individual parts today. It was nice to see lanes created and held in the running game, and separation in the pocket so that Tannehill had room to operate. This entire unit moved with quickness, and closer to the tempo to which they want to operate in the regular season.
3. Standout Performers
These are the players that stood out today.
- Ryan Tannehill – I liked his anticipation, his presence in the pocket, and his overall feel for the new offense.
- Lamar Miller – He showed a quick burst, and the ability to make someone miss behind the line of scrimmage, and make something out of it.
- Randy Starks – Randy has been all over the field at practice, and it was no different today. If he remains this active and at this level, he’s poised to have a great season.
- Rishard Matthews – In my opinion, there’s no way he doesn’t make this football team. He proves to me every time I see him that I can rely on his toughness, and his knack for making players.
- Dion Sims – With Charles Clay sidelined for basically the entire scrimmage, Sims took advantage of the added workload, and in my mind, made the plays he’s expected to make.
- Walt Aikens – I love the play speed that Aikens brings to work every day. He may not see a lot of time on defense, but he will find a way to get on the field and give you a reason to like him.
News & Notes
- Players that did not participate in the scrimmage for various reasons included the following: QB Matt Moore, RB Knowshon Moreno, WR Brian Hartline, WR Mike Wallace, LB Jelani Jenkins, C Mike Pouncey, WR Stephen Williams, DT Anthony Johnson, WR Matt Hazel
- Starting tight end Charles Clay only participated halfway through the first series, and left the field, not returning to action. He was however on the sideline the entire scrimmage.
- LB Jordan Tripp had the lone defensive touchdown of the day, picking up a fumble and returning it 73 yards to the end zone.
- RB Damien Williams got the most work today at running back, carrying the ball nine times for 39 yards. Although he had a fumble on the day, I saw a nice blend of power and speed, and I’m looking forward to see what he produces in the preseason.
- Some good news on the day was that their were no quarterback-center problems with the first offensive unit. Ryan Tannehill and starting center Nate Garner had no issues with the exchange, either under center or in shotgun.
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